Make the Call: Urge Seattle City Council to Support Affordable Housing Linkage Fees

On October 14, Seattle City Council’s Planning, Land Use and Sustainability (PLUS) Committee voted unanimously in favor of Resolution 31551, establishing the City’s intent to implement an affordable housing linkage fee program in Seattle. Resolution 31551 passed through the PLUS Committee thanks in large part to e-mails, phone calls, and public testimony by affordable housing advocates like you.

The next step is for Full City Council to vote on Resolution 31551. This resolution is a critical step toward solving our affordable housing crisis, and HDC strongly urges its passage.Council will vote on Resolution 31551 on Monday, October 20th at 2pm, so please make your calls as soon as possible!

Below, you will find the phone numbers for all nine City Councilmembers, as well as suggested talking points. If you only have time to make one or two calls, choose a Councilmember you have a good relationship with, who is likely to represent your district, or who may need a little extra nudge.

Seattle City Councilmembers:

Councilmember Sally Bagshaw
Phone: 206-684-8801

Council President Tim Burgess
Phone: 206-684-8806

Councilmember Sally Clark
Phone: 206-684-8802

Councilmember Jean Godden
Phone: 206-684-8807

Councilmember Bruce Harrell
Phone: 206-684-8804

Councilmember Nick Licata
Phone: 206-684-8803

Councilmember Mike O’Brien
Phone: 206-684-8800

Councilmember Tom Rasmussen
Phone: 206-684-8016

Councilmember Kshama Sawant
Phone: 206-684-8016

Here are some ideas for what to say when you call:

I am calling to ask you to vote Yes on Resolution 31551, which states the City’s intent to implement an affordable housing linkage fee program. I want Seattle to grow into a diverse, equitable, inclusive city, and passing this resolution is a critical step toward achieving that vision. Our city’s affordable housing needs are urgent, and we need to mitigate the impact new development has on increased demand for affordable housing. The sooner a linkage fee program is put in place, the faster we’re able to capture the benefits of growth and ensure people of all incomes can afford to live in our city. Thank you for your time and attention to this important issue. Please vote Yes on Resolution 31551.

If you would like additional talking points, feel free to contact HDC Policy staffer Kayla Schott-Bresler at [email protected] or call 206-682-9541.